Running Wild

Sponsored by

Overview

★★★★★

Ambitious, imaginative and breathtakingly achieved. Catch it while you can

Times

Wondrous. It's not to be missed

Independent

Chichester Festival Youth triumphs again. Michael Morpurgo’s storytelling and the dexterity of director, Dale Rooks, and her creative team provide a production of exquisite charm and theatrical invention.

The Argus

This highly unusual production is a wonderful way to experience theatre. A heart-warming and thought provoking production which deserves to take its place amongst the best offerings in the Chichester season.

Chichester Observer

‘Mum and Dad would have loved this. Except... I’m here with you, Oona. Because… you’re who I need now. As long as I’m with you, I’m OK. Maybe one day you’ll carry me out of this jungle like you carried me in.’

Following the tragic death of his father, everyone is keen to help young Will. When his grandmother suggests an Indonesian holiday it’s a dream opportunity to encounter the elephants he adores and learn about his own heritage.

No-one could foresee the world-changing events of Boxing Day 2004. Or the remarkable elephant who would carry Will deep into the jungle after the tsunami.

But before he can allow the orangutans, monkeys, snakes and other animals to heal his wounds, he has to escape the hunters and their terrifying boss, the evil palm oil king, Mr Anthony.

This thrilling and touching tale of healing and the power of nature is set in the magnificent landscape of Cass Sculpture Foundation, against the backdrop of monumental sculptures and dramatic settings.

Directed by Dale Rooks, this promenade production captures the story through a montage of haunting soundscapes, jungle beats, chants and magnificent life-size puppetry by former War Horse puppeteers, Finn Caldwell and Toby Olié. Rooks’s previous credits include last year’s acclaimed The Hundred and One Dalmatians and the promenade production of Noah (2012). Caldwell and Olié’s most recent work includes The Light Princess and The Elephantom for the National Theatre.

The audience will follow the production on foot through a variety of locations, including some steep and uneven ground.